Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 20: First batch of Shri Budha Amarnathji Yatra, with 816 pilgrims reached the base camp at Poonch town, about 235 kms from here this evening.
The yatris will leave for Mandi where shrine of Budha Amarnathji is located in the Pir Panjal ranges, about 24 kms from Poonch town. After performing ‘darshan’ and offering prayers, the devotees will leave for Jammu.
Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand flagged off the first batch of the pilgrims leaving for Shri Budha Amarnathji pilgrimage in Poonch, at Bhagwati Nagar base camp here this morning. Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included president Baba Amarnath and Budha Amarnathji Yatri Nyas Surinder Aggarwal and Narinder Sharma. Under tight security, the pilgrims in nearly two dozen vehicles left for their destination.
Punjab Health Minister, Vijay Laxmi Chawala and Maha Mandleshwar 1008 Swami Vishavatma Anand Saraswatiji Maharaj were prominent among the first batch of pilgrims today. Several more vehicles joined the convoy on canal road.
Majority of the pilgrims in first batch are from Punjab, Harayana and Rajasthan.
At Sunderbani, the pilgrims were accorded warm reception by the prominent citizens, Tehsil administration and Army officials at the main Army Ground. Tents had been raised and breakfast was served to the pilgrims at the ‘Langar’ arranged jointly by religious and social organizations including Beopar Mandal Congress MLC Ravinder Sharma was also present. At Nowshera also, a large gathering accorded welcome to the pilgrims and offered tea, snacks and water.
At Rajouri a grand reception was accorded to the pilgrims at around 12 noon when yatra reached at Deri Farm Ground of the Army. DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, M K Sinha, Deputy Commissioner, SSP, senior Army officials and prominent citizens from all communities besides heads of various organizations including VHP, Bajarang Dal, Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Geeta Bhawan, Beopar Mandal received the first batch pilgrims. They were already waiting for the pilgrims at the ground. They were offered lunch at the Langar arranged for yatris. Swami Vishwatma Anand Saraswatiji unfurled the flag and lighted traditional lamp at the Yatra camp site. The DIG Rajouri-Poonch then flagged off yatra for its onward destination.
A group of Army and Civil officers including Brigade Commander and MLC Javed Rana and PDP leader Nadeem Khan from Mendhar accorded warm reception to Yatra at Bhimber Gali. Members of Beopar Mandal Mendhar and S D Sabha were also present. Then at Surankote, local administration and citizens received the pilgrims and offered eatables and tea.
At Poonch, the pilgrims were accorded grand reception when first batch reached at around 6 pm. Acting DC, Poonch Anwar Hussain Shah, SSP Poonch Shamsheer Hussain, senior Army and civil officers besides prominent citizens from all the communities including Beopar Mandal, SD Sabha, VHP, Bajarag Dal, Mandir Akhara Committee accorded warm reception to the pilgrims. Many political leaders were also present on the occasion.
Large tent (Shamiyana) had been raised at Degree College Ground where, ‘Swagat Samaroh’ was organized. Several officials, citizens and pilgrims leading the batch expressed their views. These pilgrims were provided tea and snacks there and then dinner at the Akhara Mandir Langar. The Administration assured all possible help. Medical centers have also been set up at the camp sites.
The administration has made adequate arrangement for the stay of pilgrims at Degree College, ITI, Geeta Bhawan and Govt Higher Scondary School for Boys and Hr Sec School Girls at Poonch. Elaborate security arrangements have been made and additional security men deployed on the yatra route, Langar sites and also at the places of their stay. Additional toilet and bathing facility has been provided and water tankers have been installed by the administration at identified points. Yatra will leave for Mandi at 6 am from Poonch tomorrow morning.
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